INEC Faces Scrutiny Over Voter Registration Irregularities

Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 general election are marred by credibility concerns following the discovery of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable entries in the voters' register published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On October 30, Lawrence Bayode, INEC's Director of ICT, revealed that some registration officers allegedly abused their access credentials to introduce these irregular records.

While some photographs were confirmed as AI-generated, others stemmed from poor registration procedures. INEC's Automated Biometric Identification System detected these anomalies, and investigations are ongoing.

Opposition figures, including ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have criticized INEC for not making the register accessible online during the statutory display period, arguing that this lack of transparency undermines public confidence. Under the Electoral Act 2026, INEC is required to display the preliminary register for public scrutiny, allowing citizens to submit objections.

The final register is set for certification on December 15, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.